Taiwan is a country of various religious
beliefs. There are currently thirteen registered religions on the island
practiced by nearly half the residents of Taiwan. These religions include
Buddhism (the most popular), Taoism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hsuan-yuan
Chiao, Islam, Li-ism, Tenrikyo, Baha'i, T'ienti Teachings, Tien Te Chiao,
I-Kuan Tao, and Mahikarikyo.

Buddhism

Buddhism
is the most prevalent institutionalized religion in Taiwan, and is practiced
by almost 4.9 million individuals. Originating from India, Buddhism was
introduced to Taiwan in the late 16th Century. The more significant type
of Buddhism today is the Mahayana (Great Wheel). Devotees of this religion
chant mantras and sutras, and practice meditation in the many temples
available on the island.

Taoism

Taoism
is the second most popular religion in Taiwan, followed by 4.5 million
people of Taiwan. This religion evolved from the philosophy of Lao Tzu,
who lived during the 6th Century BC. The central idea of the religion
is the fulfillment of divinity. Taoists use incense for prayer and worships.

Catholicism

Roughly 304,000 individuals
are believers of Catholicism. Christianity came to Taiwan in 1626 through
the Spanish occupation. A Catholic priest, Father Martinez, together with
four Dominican priests from the Philippines started this mission to introduce
the Catholic faith to the people.

Protestantism

Georgius
Candidus of the Reformed Church of Holland was the first successful missionary
to introduce Protestantism to this island. In 1997, there were at least
65 Protestant sects, 2,700 Protestant churches, and 2,550 ministers in
Taiwan.

Hsuan-yuan
Chiao

Hsuan-yuan
Chiao was established by an old legislator named Wang Han-sheng in 1957
in Taiwan. 'Hsuan-yuan' is the name of Huangti, the Yellow Emperor who
unified China, while 'Chiao' means teachings or religion in Chinese. This
religion was conceived because of Wang's anguish over the dispossession
of the Chinese mainland to the Chinese communists.

Each lunar year,
a large-scale ceremony is held to honor Huangti on the ninth of the first
month. Other smaller ceremonies are held on specific days of other months
to celebrate Huangti's birthday and his ascent to heaven. The largest
Hsuan-yuan temple is situated in Tamsui.

Islam

Islam
was introduced to China during the reign of Tai Tsung (627-649 AD). A
massive migration of Muslims into China brought about the augmentation
of Muslim arts and sciences, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and military
science. In 1949, 20,000 Muslims accompanied by the Republic of China
(ROC) government came to Taiwan, and Islam was thus established as a religion.

Muslims in Taiwan
today, however, have difficulties conforming to orthodox Islamic customs.
The hectic city lifestyles and the restraints of a non-Muslim environment
contribute to the many problems faced by the Muslims. There are currently
three new mosques, which have been constructed in Kaohsiung, Taichung,
and Lungkang, together with two other mosques in Taipei.

Li-ism

Li-ism was founded by Yang
Lai-ju in the 17th Century. The meaning of Li-ism is 'the doctrine of
order'. Li-ism accentuates traditional Chinese morals and ethics. It is
an amalgamation of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism while accentuating
also on the worshipping of Kuanyin (Goddess of Mercy). Customs and practices
of Li-ism are similar to that of Buddhism in terms of worship and 'dos
and don'ts'.

Tenrikyo

Tenrikyo,
as the name suggests, is a Japanese religion founded in 1838 by Miki Nakayam,
who was a daughter of a peasant family. It teaches people how to abide
by God's will by gaining control of their destiny so they can lead a life
of joy. This religion was introduced in Taiwan during the Japanese occupation.
Due to its similarity to Buddhism, it was accepted and developed in Taiwan.
The Tenrikyo headquarters is located in the Yuanshuan area of Taipei.

Baha'i

The Baha'i faith was founded
in Iran in 1844 by 'Bab'. Baha'is have few beliefs. They believe that
the family is the foundation of human society, and God has sent messengers
like Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammed to fulfill his purpose.
In 1954, an Iranian missionary couple came and constituted Taiwan's first
Baha'i center in Tainan. Now, the local headquarters is located in Taipei.

Tienti
Teachings

Tienti teachings were founded
by Lee Yu-Chieh in the mid-1980s. Tienti teachings focuses on some of
China's oldest religious traditions and honors the Lord of Heaven (T'ienti),
ruler of the universe. The religion stresses the co-existence between
the spiritual and material worlds. However, the absolute goal of Tienti
teachings is a world of universal love regardless of race or belief.

Tien
Te Chiao

Tien
Te Chiao is a combination of Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity,
and Islam. The religion was brought into existence in mainland China in
1923. Its founder, Hsiao Chang-Ming was gifted with the gift of healing,
which attracted much attention. He inducted many principles in which followers
were to adhere throughout their lives. Wang Ti-ching, a disciple of Hsiao
in Kaohsiung, spread Tien Te Chiao.

I-Kuan
Tao

I-Kuan
Tao is a new faith and also the third most popular religion in Taiwan.
It strives to distinguish common principles underlying Taoism, Buddhism,
Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. Worshippers believe that by
unveiling the universal truths, the world can achieve peace and harmony.

Mahikarikyo

Mahikarikyo, another Japanese
religion, was founded by Yosikazu Okada in 1959. Mahikarikyo believes
that anyone can attain healing powers by taking a three-day seminar on
the Spiritual Art of Divine Light. Devotees believe that their teachings
of the righteous law will bring all people happiness in the coming Holy
Twenty-First Century. Mahikarikyo was introduced to Taiwan in 1983, but
was only registered with the Ministry in 1996. Now, the religion has vastly
developed with shrines available around the island.